Baku has a semi-arid climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. The city is located in the most arid part of Azerbaijan, where precipitation is less than eight inches (203mm) per year. Even in the winter (December to February), when Baku experiences the majority of its rain, precipitation levels are still relatively low.Strong gale-force winds are possible throughout the year and, for this reason, Baku is known as 'The City of Winds'. Also, because of these winds, the city experiences fierce snow storms during the winter months.Average high temperatures during summer (June to August) reach 87°F (31°C), with the Khazri winds providing a much-needed cooling effect. In winter, average temperatures drop to around 39°F (4°C), with temperatures on the coast dipping below freezing.